Braai Republic Itaewon

Seoul's South African grill since 2011

Restaurants

Braai Republic Itaewon

Seoul's South African institution

Lamb Pie / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery

There are places that fill a niche, and then there are places that become institutions. Braai Republic Itaewon is firmly the latter. Open since 2011 on a quiet side street behind the main Itaewon strip, this South African-run restaurant has spent over a decade building one of the most loyal followings in Seoul’s expat food scene. The interior is warm and analog, all rustic wood and South African memorabilia, with an open kitchen that fills the room with the smell of grilling meat. Come early on weekdays — even on a Tuesday, this place fills up fast.

What's on the menu?

Traditional Roll / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery

The Lamb Chops are the reason most people come and the reason they keep coming back: perfectly seasoned, cooked to order, straight off the braai. The Meat Platter is the move for groups, combining lamb chops, homemade sausages, creamy spinach, coleslaw and mashed potato into one generous spread. The Boerewors — a traditional South African sausage made with beef, pork and lamb, spiced with coriander and black pepper — is a must for first-timers. The Steak and Kidney Pie is another standout, and the Baileys Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that turns sceptics into converts. South African wines are available by the glass or carafe, and the Windhoek lager is the beer to order.

Budget: 15,000 – 35,000 KRW per person